WAR STORY

I just finished "Matterhorn" -- basically, reading this book gave me nightmares. You're thrown into the middle of the Vietnam War by way of a leech inside a very angry urethra, which means no piss can come out, which means, from my understanding of complicated chemistry, THE BODY WILL EXPLODE. And of course, there is no medevac (helicopter) available (and no one willing to send it), a lack of qualified tools and even technical skills to operate, and the awareness that you are stuck in the middle of a jungle and very likely going to die. Don't worry, leech guy does not die. But so many others do, and while author Karl Marlantes prepares us for it from the very beginning, it's an emotional shock and an extended strung out feeling throughout.

War stories are so fascinating to me because they throw together a bunch of very young men, give them emotional and physical stress far beyond what they are accustomed to, and then pile on layers of political and social implications that demand really important explorations: Why are we fighting this war? Who is fighting this war? Who believes in this war? Marlantes captures brotherhood well - the complications that arise between men seeking power and the isolation being away from home can stir. There's relief, too: small things like alcohol binges with commanding officers, the feeling of being liked and accepted by a crew, shared laughter and trying to do right. These are all things that we may take for granted on any given day that are so beautifully magnified and displayed when we have so little hope.

The realities of being abroad, in war, are so brutally displayed. Aside from manipulative leeches, there is also jungle rot, extreme rationing of food and water, fragging, racial tension, disease. And so much more. I don't know why I never considered this, but "Matterhorn" shows us the political relationships that make up the U.S. Marines - how you make rank, where you place responsibility, and how it's different for a military lifer. You should absolutely read "Matterhorn."

Also, this is my friend Max. He is my baby Marine, currently serving in Afghanistan. Love you guapo!

xo, t